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Nigeria's outgoing president urges successor to promote unity, rapid development

Xinhua, May 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

Outgoing Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the country's incoming administration to pursue programs and policies meant to promote national unity and rapid development.

Speaking at a presidential gala night in Abuja on Thursday, Jonathan also urged citizens to cooperate and show unconditional support and understanding to Muhammadu Buhari's administration for the progress of the country.

He told the public that the incoming administration deserved support because Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, belonged to one strong family.

Nigerians must work together regardless of the outcome of the 2015 general elections, so that the country can make steady progress, Jonathan said.

The president also described the emergence of Akinwumi Adeshina, Nigeria's minister of agriculture and rural dvelopment, as president of the African Development Bank as a well-deserved parting gift to him.

Jonathan thanked all African leaders for making it possible for Nigeria to preside over the bank for the first time since its inception.

Buhari, of the opposition All Progressives Congress party, beat Jonathan by about 2.5 million votes in Nigeria's toughest presidential election on March 28. Endi